Recover Permanently Deleted Files on Windows 10 and 11 Free

Accidentally deleting files is a common issue that most of us have faced at some point. Whether it’s precious photos, important documents, or essential program files, losing them can be frustrating, especially if they’ve been permanently deleted. But don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll show you how to recover those permanently deleted files on Windows 10 and Windows 11 without spending a dime.

The tool we’ll be using is PhotoRec, a free and powerful data recovery software that can restore any file type. Unlike many other recovery programs that charge for file recovery, PhotoRec is entirely free. Below, we’ll guide you through the process step-by-step.

Key Takeaways

• PhotoRec is a free and effective tool for recovering permanently deleted files in Windows.
• Recover files by choosing specific formats to reduce scan time.
• Always save recovered files to a different physical drive for the best results.

Step 1: Downloading PhotoRec

To begin, you’ll need to download PhotoRec. You can find the download link on the official TestDisk and PhotoRec website. Here’s how to do it:

1. Visit the TestDisk and PhotoRec webpage.
2. Scroll down to find the “Download TestDisk and PhotoRec” link.
3. Choose the appropriate version for your operating system. For most Windows users, the 64-bit version will be the right choice.
4. Download the file, which will come in a zip format.

Step 2: Extracting and Launching PhotoRec

Once you’ve downloaded the file, you’ll need to extract it:

1. Go to your Downloads folder and find the zip file.
2. Right-click on it and choose “Extract All” to unzip the contents.
3. Open the extracted folder, which should contain a file called qphotorec_win.

For a user-friendly experience, double-click on qphotorec_win to open the graphical interface of PhotoRec. This is easier to use compared to the command-line interface of the regular photorec_win application.

Step 3: Preparing to Recover Deleted Files

Now that PhotoRec is open, it’s time to prepare for the recovery process:

1. Select the Whole Disk: When you open PhotoRec, you’ll see a list of drives on your computer. Choose the entire disk from which the files were deleted. If you have multiple drives, select the correct one where the deletion occurred.
2. Choose File Formats: PhotoRec allows you to recover specific file formats. This option can save time if you only need to recover certain types of files (e.g., JPEGs, EXE files). You can reset the file format list and select only the formats you want to recover.

Step 4: Setting the Recovery Destination

Before starting the recovery, you need to choose a location to save the recovered files. It’s important to avoid saving the recovered files to the same drive from which they were deleted, as this can lead to data overwriting and reduce the chances of a successful recovery. Instead, choose one of the following options:

• An external hard drive
• A USB memory stick
• A different internal hard drive or a network drive

Once you’ve selected your preferred destination, create a new folder (e.g., “Recovery”) and set this as the location for saving recovered files.

Step 5: Recovering Your Files

After setting everything up, it’s time to start the recovery process:

1. Click the “Search” button in PhotoRec.
2. PhotoRec will begin scanning the disk for the file types you selected.
3. As it works, PhotoRec will create folders in your designated recovery location. Inside these folders, you’ll find the files it recovers.

While the recovery is in progress, you can already start checking the recovered files. For example, if you were recovering JPEG images, you can search through the recovery folders to ensure the files have been properly restored.

Step 6: Finalizing the Recovery Process

Once PhotoRec finishes the recovery process, all recovered files will be stored in the designated recovery folder. At this point, you can review the recovered files to ensure that everything you need has been restored.

For best results, allow PhotoRec to complete its scan fully. This will maximize your chances of recovering all permanently deleted files.

Conclusion

Recovering permanently deleted files in Windows 10 and Windows 11 doesn’t have to be a difficult or costly task. With the help of PhotoRec, you can restore your files for free, regardless of the file type. Just follow the steps outlined in this guide, and you’ll be well on your way to getting back those lost files.

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FAQs

1. What makes PhotoRec better than other recovery software?

PhotoRec stands out because it’s completely free and supports the recovery of a wide range of file types without hidden charges. Many other recovery tools require payment after scanning files, but PhotoRec is fully functional at no cost.

2. Can PhotoRec recover files from corrupted disks?

Yes, PhotoRec is designed to recover files even from damaged or corrupted storage devices. However, results may vary depending on the level of corruption.

3. How long does it take to recover files using PhotoRec?

The time it takes to recover files depends on factors like the size of the drive and the number of file types you are recovering. If you’re only searching for specific file formats, it can speed up the process.

4. Do I need to install PhotoRec to use it?

No, PhotoRec runs as a standalone application, so you don’t need to install it. You simply download, extract, and run the program from the extracted folder.

5. Can I recover files from a USB drive or external hard drive with PhotoRec?

Yes, you can recover deleted files from external storage devices, including USB drives and external hard drives, as long as the device is recognized by your computer.